There’s no doubt that Charlotte Tilbury revolutionised the beauty industry with the iconic Hollywood Flawless Filter. It has quickly become a cult favourite and ever since 2018, many makeup brands have tried to create similar products that act as a primer-highlighter hybrid.
The latest hot product to hit the shelves and take over social media platforms is the Elf Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter.
What does this name remind you of? The Hollywood Flawless Filter, of course. But is it a dupe?
It has already caused a stir online, with reviews comparing the two flooding social media channels and beauty stores being emptied out as we speak. Well, as an avid beauty lover, you know I couldn’t help but buy it myself.
So, here are my honest thoughts. Let the battle of the glow boosters begin…
If you are not acquainted with the cult-favourite Hollywood Flawless Filter, first let me tell you a bit about it. So, it easily blurs, smooths and illuminates the skin and can be worn alone, underneath, mixed with your foundation or on top. It really works like magic!
Now, the new Elf complexion booster is a skincare and makeup hybrid, infused with great ingredients like Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid to moisturise and hydrate the skin. Plus, it suitable for all skin types and has finely milled powders, which blur lines and pores for a smoother finish.
How can it be used? You can wear alone, over or under makeup, mix it with your foundation for a glowy look or use it as highlighter.
Can you spot the similarities already?
Let’s compare the retail price – the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter retails for £36, while the Elf Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter is sold for £14.
So, there’s something for everyone. You can either go the premium way (and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed). Or you can give the more affordable option a try (and spoiler alert: you won’t be disappointed either).
Looking at the product, you get 30ml of the Hollywood Flawless Filter (available in 12 shades), but 31.5ml of the Halo Glow Liquid Filter (available in 8 shades). So, you do get a bit more product with the Elf bottle but there’s a bit less variety for different complexions. However, they are supposed to be 8 universal shades that work across all skin tones.
When it comes to the applicator, the Elf Cosmetics glow booster has a bigger brush, which I found made spreading it quicker and easier. Bonus point.
The Hollywood Flawless Filter is my absolute go-to for long-lasting glowing skin. I have shade 3/fair and I know I can always count on it – without fail.
But from my first impressions of the new Elf glow booster, I can say I am also hooked on the Halo Glow Liquid Filter. It is very luminous and feels super light on the skin, so it doesn’t feel like I am wearing anything, which is my favourite part.
When I say it is very luminous, it is VERY luminous. Even after I applied powder to set my base, the glow was still blinding. I went for shade 2 fair/light for the Elf Halo Glow and its consistency, texture and finish is very close to the Charlotte Tilbury cult-favourite.
I knew the wear test would somehow break the tie between these two. I found that by the end of the day, the Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter made my skin look a bit oily rathar than glowy but there’s nothing a touch of powder can’t fix!
Plus, considering I had been wearing it for hours and hours, I think that’s pretty good.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, you should definitely give the Elf Cosmetcis Halo Glow Liquid Filter a try.
What are your thoughts? Tempted to try it?
Let me know on Instagram @irinaiacob and see you soon here on blog,
Irina x
Irina Iacob 
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